Unity Theatre is committed to providing high-quality theatre experiences that engage people of every age, income level, ethnicity, location, ability, and level of interest. Our professional faculty of experienced teaching artists aim to help others develop their voices, bodies, and minds by teaching theatre skills that will foster relationships, enrich lives, and build community.

storyPLAY!

Unity Theatre is partnering with the Nancy Carol Roberts Memorial Library to offer storyPLAY!. The whole family is invited to participate in this special storytime filled with creative drama activities specifically geared for children, ages 4-8. Once a month, professional actress Jamie Ward will introduce basic theatre skills through stories, movement, and music.

We are proud to be a Partner for P.E.A.C.E., a program that supports an effort to help local kids see that values exist in school, in families, and throughout communities. Each storyPLAY! event includes stories that help to reinforce the monthly core value.

8 Monthly Classes
Friday Mornings
10am
Free of Charge

Class Dates:
August 31, 2018
September 28, 2018
October 26, 2018
November 16, 2018
January 25, 2019
February 22, 2019
March 29, 2019
April 26, 2019

Jamie Ward is a professional actress and theatre educator, who enjoys creating community through art. For over 15 years, she has performed with multiple regional, stock, and touring theatre companies in a variety of productions. She regularly appears on the Unity Theatre stage. Her most recent Unity credits include: All My Sons, The Diary of Anne Frank, Little Women: The Musical, A Piece of my Heart, The Chalk Garden, and The Miracle Worker. Jamie holds a BFA in Acting from Wright State University in Dayton, OH and previously taught Theatre Arts for Brenham ISD. She enjoys leading classes for students of all ages and abilities.

“What a great tool for homeschool families! I am overjoyed at the opportunity to put my child in classes like this one!”

– Happy Parent

Homeschool Acting Class-Fall Workshop

Grades 4-12 (Ages 9-18)

Experience the Ancient Period of Theatre while participating in drama activities that will serve as preparation for our Homeschool Acting Class-Spring Showcase:

• Learn about Ancient Greece and the role that theatre played during that time. • Discover Ancient Greek playwrights and their plays. • Explore a variety of acting styles associated with Greek Theatre.

*This is a workshop class. It will not end with a polished performance. Our focus will be on introducing, practicing, and building theatre skills.

Class completed. Please see below for Spring Class.

Homeschool Acting Class-Spring Showcase

Grades 4-12 (Ages 9-18)

Students will practice and strengthen theatre skills as they prepare and present, Aristophanes’ The Frogs, a comedy adapted by I.E. Clark.

“Greece was left without a first-rate tragic poet, so Bacchus set out for Hades to find Euripides. The trip is a fearful one, and Bacchus, one of the less godly gods, dies a thousand comic deaths along the way.”

*Class on April 18 and the showcase will be held at the Dr. Bobbie M. Dietrich Memorial Amphitheater, Hohlt Park. In the event of inclement weather, the last class and showcase will be held at Unity Theatre.

Jamie Ward is a professional actress and theatre educator, who enjoys creating community through art. For over 15 years, she has performed with multiple regional, stock, and touring theatre companies in a variety of productions. She regularly appears on the Unity Theatre stage. Her most recent Unity credits include: All My Sons, The Diary of Anne Frank, Little Women: The Musical,A Piece of my Heart, The Chalk Garden, and The Miracle Worker. Jamie holds a BFA in Acting from Wright State University in Dayton, OH and previously taught Theatre Arts for Brenham ISD. She enjoys leading classes for students of all ages and abilities.

Musical Theatre Dance/Exercise for Adults

(High School and College Students welcome!)

This 12-week course is designed for those who enjoy structured dancing with a group of fun, energetic adults (primarily women, but men are also welcome!). Classes are led by choreographer, Libby Lovejoy. Each one hour class is 1/2 hour tap dance and 1/2 hour musical theatre dance. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in (and get sweaty in!). Tap shoes and jazz shoes are required.

Every class begins with a short tap warm-up and progresses into across the floor and center floor tap dance combinations. Basic traveling steps, turns and time steps are covered. The second portion of each class, musical theatre dance, includes some across the floor movement, group/ensemble work, different formations/patterns and short sections of choreography set to Broadway show tunes. There is always something for everyone!

For more information contact Jamie Ward, Education Development Managerjamie@unitybrenham.org or (979) 830-1460 ext.14

TEACHING ARTIST BIO

Ms. Lovejoy holds a BFA & MFA in Dance from SMU in Dallas. Her diverse background of study includes many dance idioms; classical ballet, jazz, modern, tap, character, musical theatre, ethnic, period movement, effort/shape and Labanotation. Libby’s 40 year professional career has seen her as dancer, teacher and choreographer. She spent many years teaching at the university level – University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College, Towson University (Baltimore) along with numerous dance academies (Ballet Austin, Dallas Ballet, Maryland Ballet), studios, middle/high schools, and many national dance conventions. Libby is a former Miss Louisiana and was 4th Runner-up to Miss America. Her work has been seen at Unity Theatre in Billy Bishop Goes to War, The Fantasticks and most recently, Leading Ladies.

“Wonderful production – kudos to all!
The kids were a great highlight and we loved the enthusiasm for the story!”

– Bob & Wendy Pudwill

Summer Drama Camps

(Entering Grades 2-12)

Unity Theatre Summer Drama Camp is a great way for your child to have fun and experience the joy and magic of live theatre.

Led by an outstanding team of professional teaching artists and performers, our Summer Drama Camps inspire creativity, exercise imaginations, and introduce students to the craft of creating characters and bringing theatrical performance to life on stage.

Registration for Summer Drama Camp will open February 2019 and registration forms will be available then.

“Congratulations on another
truly charming piece of art –
always surprising and life-changing.”

The Play’s the Thing!

Do you love live theatre?
This play reading group, led by our Executive Artistic Director, Kate Revnell-Smith, is for people who enjoy (or think they might enjoy) reading plays aloud and discussing them with like-minded theatre fans.

Each meeting we’ll do a cold table read of a play you’ve always wanted to see, or one that you’ve loved for years or one you’ve never even heard of. Meet other people interested in theatre, who appreciate the spoken word, and love to talk about it. No acting experience is necessary, we welcome anyone to join us in our play readings or to simply listen – an interest in plays is the only requirement!

We meet monthly on the following Mondays from 5:30pm–7:30pm in the Unity Theatre library – just drop in and join us!

Summer Drama Camp Scholarship

Every year, we offer the David Folschinsky Full Scholarship to one of our Summer Drama Camp students in honor of David and his wonderful staff at Design II who have been generous supporters of Unity Theatre for many years.

Our professional teaching staff
provides custom workshops
with a variety of hands-on experiences
for local schools, businesses, and organizations.

Unity Theatre‘s interactive workshops promote self-confidence, team-building skills, and imagination development. All workshops are taught by professional teaching artists. In addition to a one-hour workshop, backstage tours are available upon request.

Join the character of Max on a dramatic journey to where the wild things are! Students will participate in various theatre exercises that encourage the use of their bodies, voices, and imaginations. They will act out the story from the book “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak and learn a “Wild Rumpus” dance that is sure to bring even the most reluctant dancer to his feet! This workshop will end in a relaxation exercise that will reveal Max’s most powerful lesson of all.

Welcome to the Jungle(Grades 3-5)

Inspired by the book “Jumanji” written by Chris Van Allsburg and the recent blockbuster hit, this workshop will introduce students to the jungle in a whole new way. With a professional actor as their guide, students will “visit” and discuss different jungles from around the world, use their bodies and voices to explore diverse animals and various landscapes, and will learn whether or not “dance fighting” is their strength when playing a part in the wild.

Improv!(Grades 6-Adult)

Explore the ART of improvising! Whether you are a teacher looking for a fun way to introduce theatre skills to your class or you are a leader of an organization that is looking for a fun team-building exercise for your staff, this workshop fits the bill! Participants will work individually, in pairs, and within a group as they engage in a variety of improvisational exercises that will strengthen their ability to collaborate and work without a script. Improvisation skills reinforce important life skills: focusing, attentive listening, creative problem solving, and team work.

To schedule a workshop or to find out more, please contact Education Development Manager, Jamie Ward,
at jamie@UnityBrenham.org or (979) 830-1460 ext.14

TimeSlips with Senior Adults Living with Dementia

In partnership with Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Unity Theatre uses a method created by TimeSlips to provide a creative engagement opportunity that proves people living with dementia have much to offer and share, especially when using their imagination.

Teaching Artist and Certified TimeSlips Facilitator, Jamie Ward, facilitates creative storymaking sessions with a group of people or individuals, varying in different stages of dementia. They are inspired to use their imaginations rather than recalled memories or facts to tell a story.

Stories are collected and published on the TimeSlips website to be shared with family and friends. When working with a group, the sessions culminate in an evening storytelling event at the center. Professional actors Kate Revnell-Smith and Lisa Thomas honor the storytellers by reading their stories aloud for staff, family, and friends.

Reactions from the staff at Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center:

“Thank you so much to Unity Theatre for the time and effort put into the TimeSlips storytelling program with our residents. I was blown away by how much our residents were captured within the short stories shared. They were so creative and show so much about our residents’ personalities. I felt like I took a step back in time…” – Kelly, BNRC Assessment Nurse

“The program was a success!! The residents loved it and that is always the bottom line for me. Both Phyllis and Bonnie stated that they “felt so important” while the wonderful actors were reading their stories. I cannot express enough the therapeutic value of programs like this. I have been a Recreational Therapist for 30 years and I think this is the best yet! THANK YOU, Jamie, for your hard work and for your love of my residents!” — Mary Sparks, CTRS, CDP, CDCS, BNRC Director of Activities

Artist Connect

For the past three years, Unity theatre has participated in this important project funded by the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Wells Fargo Trust, through the Arts Council of Brazos Valley.

As we fully anticipate the growth of this program, we plan to continue partnering with ACBV and other theatre companies in our region to select professional teaching artists who will provide TEKS-based theatre workshops to students who attend Title-1 schools in underserved areas of the Brazos Valley.

Are you preparing for
an upcoming audition or
speech/drama tournament
and want help?

Professional actress, Jamie Ward, will help you strengthen your acting skills, gain a better understanding of your material, and become more confident for your next performance!

For more information or to sign up for coaching sessions, please email Education Development Manager, Jamie Ward,
at jamie@unitybrenham.org or (979) 830-1460 ext.14 Fee: $50 per hour session.

TEACHING ARTIST BIO

Jamie Ward is a professional actress and theatre educator, who enjoys creating community through art. For over 15 years, she has performed with multiple regional, stock, and touring theatre companies in a variety of productions. She regularly appears on the Unity Theatre stage. Her most recent Unity credits include: All My Sons, The Diary of Anne Frank, Little Women: The Musical,A Piece of my Heart, The Chalk Garden, and The Miracle Worker. Jamie holds a BFA in Acting from Wright State University in Dayton, OH and previously taught Theatre Arts for Brenham ISD. She enjoys leading classes for students of all ages and abilities.

Here at Unity Theatre we believe that all children should have the opportunity to be exposed to and participate in the creative arts. Whether students intend to pursue theatre and the arts as a career or a hobby, exposure to a creative atmosphere will enrich their lives and make students more confident in all areas.

Become a Partner in Education!

Drama teaches improved communication skills, increases powers of concentration and refines social skills – gifts which will serve them all their lives. It teaches how to win and how to lose and how to handle success and failures with grace and dignity.

Our education programs promotes teamwork and how to work toward a common goal. It instills team spirit and cooperation. Theatre classes provide the perfect learning arena for characteristics such as integrity, sportsmanship, and determination and developing self-esteem in young people.

With your assistance we aim to include children from Washington County and the surrounding area regardless of their ability to pay so we can provide this opportunity to as many children as possible.

Support our program and reap the rewards!

Chancellor ($5,000 and Above)
• One full page black and white advertisement in four upcoming Main Stage playbills
• Recognition in four upcoming Main Stage playbills as a Partner in Education
• Logo framed and prominently displayed in theatre lobby for one year
• Logo on Unity Theatre’s website for one year

Dean ($2,500 – $4,999)
• One half-page black and white advertisement in four upcoming Main Stage playbills
• Recognition in four upcoming Main Stage playbills as a Partner in Education
• Logo framed and prominently displayed in theatre lobby for one year
• Logo on Unity Theatre’s website for one year

Professor ($1,500 – $2,499)
• One quarter-page black and white advertisement in four upcoming Main Stage playbills
• Recognition in four upcoming Main Stage playbills as a Partner in Education
• Logo framed and prominently displayed in theatre lobby for one year

Scholar ($500 – $1,499)
• One eighth-page black and white advertisement in four upcoming Main Stage playbills
• Recognition in four upcoming Main Stage playbills as a Partner in Education

Mentor ($250 – $499)
• Recognition in four upcoming Main Stage playbills as a Partner in Education

By Check:
Please make your check payable to “Unity Theatre” and mail to us at:
300 Church Street
Brenham, TX 77833

By Phone:
Call our Box Office at 979-830-8358,
10:00 am-2:00 pm, Monday-Friday
Donations can be made using Visa, Master Card or Discover

Thank You for Your Support!
On behalf of the many people who enjoy and believe in Unity Theatre, we appreciate your assistance.

Volunteer and Learn about the performing arts.
Unity Theatre welcomes and encourages community involvement.
Volunteers participate in almost all aspects of our operation,
so there are many opportunities to learn about live theatre.

Some jobs require only an occasional hour or two, enabling volunteers to help as they can. Most volunteer assistance is very flexible and scheduled at the volunteer’s convenience. Some jobs require a specific commitment, such as being the receptionist every Tuesday morning.

Our theatre staff provides a rewarding and educational experience for all volunteers. We offer positions that work side-by-side with professional artists, and we provide clear guidance.

Let us help you find the role that will best utilize your talents and make the greatest contribution. For more information, or to volunteer your services, please call (979) 830-1460.

Front-of-house positions share the excitement of Unity Theatre with our patrons as they enter our doors. For this important area, volunteers are engaging, friendly, courteous and good at trouble-shooting.
• Concessionaires – operate concession area before performances and during intermission
• Ushers – welcome attendees, distribute playbills and direct to seats

Let us help you find the role that will best utilize your talents and make the greatest contribution. For more information, or to volunteer your services, please call 979-830-1460 ext.10 or email tickets@UnityBrenham.org.